2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, a detail that many automakers typically refine. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, but its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, with features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and a WiFi hotspot. The SE trim was recommended for its power rear liftgate, while the Nightshade Edition added a stylish touch with dark accents.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared much of its design with the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. This styling choice gave it a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, though some elements, like the fake exhaust tips, appeared tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, with the same wheelbase. It came with standard LED lighting and various wheel sizes across trims. The interior had a minimalist design, but subpar materials detracted from its appeal. The leather upholstery felt rubbery, and the color choices blended too much, creating a less welcoming atmosphere.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered stout acceleration in normal mode, with a Sport mode for more spirited driving. The Sienna had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and was available with AWD, a unique feature in its class. The FWD version delivered the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 provided lively acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power. The ride quality was among the worst for a modern crossover, with noticeable bumps and pothole impacts. The Cross Sport had a 5,000-pound towing capacity with the VR6 and AWD, while the four-cylinder models were rated for 2,000 pounds. It featured multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it an affordable option for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 40.3 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded. The second-row seats had a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. The Cross Sport included various storage solutions, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a center console.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa support. It included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. SEL models and above featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, while SEL Premium models included a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The Digital Cockpit allowed for customizable displays, and analog controls made basic functions easy to access.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Cross Sport also had unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, available on higher trims.